In the fast-paced world of data and AI, lakehouse company Databricks stands as a pioneer, dedicated to simplifying complex technological challenges and making them accessible to all. Facing the need to seamlessly integrate its growing partner ecosystem, Databricks turned to Slalom for its expertise in bridging technology and human-centric solutions. The challenge was clear: migrate to Salesforce PRM while upholding Databricks’ core mission. 

In response, Databricks and Slalom embarked on a journey to innovate while prioritizing the end user, through a fusion of Sales Cloud, Experience Cloud, experience design, and CRM Analytics—propelling them even closer to their goal of democratizing data, analytics, and AI.

Databricks faced a trio of challenges: the need for clear partner performance insights, an outgrown PRM system, and a wish list of essential features. To effectively track and strengthen its relationships with partners, the company needed much more flexibility on the interface than its existing PRM system provided.

The partnership between Slalom and Databricks proved instrumental in understanding user needs and enhancing the user journey, especially in implementing Salesforce PRM. The Slalom team carried out the integration with a keen focus on compatibility across Sales Cloud, Experience Cloud, experience design, and CRM Analytics, effectively incorporating impactful metrics into the project’s success.

The new interface streamlined internal and application processes and offered an inviting portal for Databricks partners to access resources, collaborate, register deals, offer training, track performance, analyze data, and expedite other vital tasks. The intuitive design fostered engagement, making it effortless for partners to navigate and collaborate.

And the metrics speak volumes about this connection. With thousands of active partner contacts leveraging the portal, and a staggering 250% surge in partners reviewed and onboarded every week, it’s become more than a tool. It’s a glimpse into the exciting road ahead. The true testament to this partnership’s success was the threefold increase in partners over the last year since the new Salesforce PRM was launched.

”We really appreciate Slalom’s thought partnership and world-class industry expertise, implementing a best-in-class platform for our partners to enable massive growth,” says Karl Kadon, Databricks senior director, partner strategy & operations.

The impact was undeniable. As new partners joined and existing relationships flourished, the framework built by Databricks and Slalom proved its scalability. The partnership became more than just a transaction; it was a relationship built on mutual growth.

“The Databricks partner team was great to work with,” says Shirley Lai, Slalom senior delivery principal. “They were really looking at the big picture of helping us prioritize what was important and what could be different. Databricks trusted our team a lot to provide the recommendations and would listen to our suggestions and then make an informed decision.”

The Databricks-Salesforce PRM transformation wasn’t just a technical project. It was a testament to the power of partnerships and the potential of technology to enhance human interactions.  

“In consulting, we talk about synergy,” says Eli Hill, Slalom senior director.  “This solution brings the right data to the right stakeholders at the right time so that customers can optimally leverage the Databricks platform.”

By investing in the right tools, Databricks has paved the way for boundless expansion, demonstrating how a collaboration can transform not only a business process but also the essence of partnership dynamics. In a world where data and AI are the new frontiers, Databricks, Salesforce, and Slalom are proving that when technology and humanity converge, the possibilities are limitless.